M.C. Goe Groceries and Notions--1905

      Hezekiah and Margaretta Cornelia Farnsworth Goe moved to Irvington in 1884 to open one of the earliest groceries in the new town.  Mr. Goe ran the business, but named the store after his wife, M.C. Goe. Her name appeared on other transactions as well including the construction of rental property in 1891. The Goes prospered with their new enterprise and moved into a second store located in the Moore's Block at 130 South Audubon Road on January 1, 1892. (We do not know the exact location of their first store in Irvington. It likely sat on South Audubon Road as well.) The three-story brick structure housed other businesses as well including a barbershop, a drug store, the post office, and the headquarters for the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal lodge. The building was conveniently located across the street from the Irvington Depot and on the northwest corner of Bonna Avenue (then Railroad Street) and Audubon Road. 

     Other grocers soon moved into the neighborhood including Daniel D. Pike. To stay competitive, Mr. Goe kept a fully-stocked store. Most of his dry goods came from the Wholesale District just south of downtown. How do we know this? On December 3, 1895, he was shopping for items in the basement of Schnull & Co. on South Meridian Street when he heard a commotion above him. Mr. Goe along with two Schnull employees got into an elevator, but then they realized that the building was on fire. A portion of an upper floor crashed upon the elevator and trapped the three men. They could hear the crackling of the flames above them. The two younger men managed to escape through a small hatch in the roof of the elevator, but Mr. Goe was "too robust." He took off his jacket and his vest, but could still not squeeze through the hole. The two young men retrieved an axe and helped to liberate him "with a prayer upon his lips." 

     Mr. Goe remained in business for several more years. He divested himself of the store in 1908 to the Kemper brothers. Zeb Kenady took over the operation in 1909 and remained for several years. The Moore block is no longer standing and was bulldozed in the late 1930s. 

In July of 1905, Hezekiah Goe (in the dark suit) along with some of his employees gathered in front of M.C. Goe Groceries and Notions for this photograph. We do not know the names of the children or of the
 other adult male in the image at this time. (Photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Hezekiah Noble Goe (1837-1919) opened his first grocery store just as the Civil War ended on Illinois Street north of downtown Indianapolis. He moved his store to Irvington in 1884. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Margaretta Cornelia Farnsworth Goe (1848-1940), known as Cornelia, served as one of the first female school board members in the state of Indiana. Her husband, Hezekiah Goe, named the grocery store in Irvington after her. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

 Up Next: The Goes Build a Home on South Ritter Avenue

I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the image and the stories of the Goe family. 

Sources: Ad for Mckenzie's Family Syrup in M.C. Grocery, Indianapolis Journal, November 13, 1885, p. 8; Fire-" A Half Million Loss," Indianapolis Journal, December 4, 1895, p. 1; Polk's Indianapolis City Directories, 1884-1909; New store--"Irvington Town Topics," Indianapolis News,  December 26, 1892; Commemorative Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Indianapolis and Vicinity, (Chicago, 1908), pp. 643-644

A Layman Avenue Scene in 1962

      Frank and Marie Widner frequently visited with their good friends, Louis (Bud) and Anna Lucille (Lucy) Downey of 315 North Layman Avenue. The men had gone to Indiana University together and had remained life-long friends. Mr. Widner, who snapped the photo, worked as an editor for the Indianapolis Times. Later, he served as the night editor for the Indianapolis Star.  Mr. Downey worked as a sales representative for Gulf Oil. The sharply-focused photo taken in 1962 shows a sunny but perhaps chilly day. Behind the friends, you can clearly see many of the houses on the east side of the street all the way to Michigan Street. The canopied-avenue looks much the same today as it did 63 years ago. 

Ann Lucille "Lucy" Downey, Marie Widner, and Louis "Bud" Downey in front of 315 North Layman Avenue in 1962; Frank Widner, a journalist, took the photo. (photo courtesy of Mike Widner)  

     I wish to thank Mike Widner for the photo and information on the Widners and the Downeys. 

Sources:  Widners--Email correspondence with Mike Widner; "Frank Widner Former News Editor of the Star Dies, Indianapolis Star, May 9, 1995, p. 19; Obituary for Marie Louise Kiefer Widner, Indianapolis Star, May 14, 1998, p. 23; "Louis C. Downey Dies; Services Set Wednesday," Indianapolis Star, May 29, 1967, p. 27; Obituary for Anna Lucille Sparrow Downey Lane, Indianapolis Star, July 6, 2005, p. 18. 

Lost Irvington: The Downey Home

      Several wealthy families resided in the grand home that used to sit at 5433 University Avenue from 1874 until 1929 including the Downeys, Goes, Thompsons, and Hibbens. The imposing two-story home complete with a tower sat on four acres of ground on the southeast corner of University and Downey Avenues. It has been gone for almost 100 years and nine smaller houses now occupy the site. A speculator, a banker, a grocer, an artist, a prominent teacher, and others all left their mark upon the residence. The deliberate demolition of a house like this seems impossible today, but the last owner, Mrs. Jessie Landon, likely saw dollar signs in the summer of 1929 since the place sat on such a large lot. Her timing, however, could not have been worse. Just as contractors reduced the home to rubble the country fell into the Great Depression. It would take twelve years before the area was redeveloped.  

The Downey Years (1874-1884) 

     James E. and Mary Julian Downey arrived in Irvington in 1871. In fact, they built the very first home in the new town in 1871 on the northwest corner of East Washington Street and Audubon Road. Three years later, they built an even bigger home on what would become 5433 University Avenue in the Woodland Park Addition in 1874. Their timing, however, could not have been worse as an economic panic swept the United States and ruined the lives of many investors including the Downeys. The couple formally declared bankruptcy in 1878, but managed to keep their home and four acres of land for several more years before moving out of state. 

     Red-headed James E. Downey married Mary Julian in Centerville, Indiana. When Mary's father, Jacob Julian founded Irvington along with another investor named Sylvester Johnson, the Downeys followed the Julians to the new town of Irvington. Mary Julian Downey might be the only person in Indianapolis to have had two streets named after her family. She lived next to Downey Avenue and could walk two blocks to the north to walk down Julian Avenue. She loved her Julian name so much that she gave three of her sons that middle name and one of her sons received it as a first name. In total the couple would have eight children live into adulthood. She is also credited, along with her father, of naming the new community after her favorite author, Washington Irving. Joseph Robert Downey, the only son not to receive the Julian name, wrote about his life in 1950 and his memories of that house were published by the East Side Herald. 

      Joseph Downey described their wooded lot as full of beech, oak, maple, dogwood, and paw paw trees. He noted that his father, ever an entrepreneur, was both a "promoter and plunger" who was always trying to find ways to make money. Five-year-old Joseph nearly died in the house after he and his brothers slid down the steep staircase railing. He hit his head on the lowest newel post. One local doctor thought that he might not live, but he did. The Irvington years were some of the happiest in his life and their sudden departure from the town upset him greatly. 

     While Irvington was largely a peaceful place and far away from the problems of the city, it was not immune from crime. At 3:00AM on May 20, 1878, the Downeys were awakened by a noise inside the house. Mr. Downey rushed downstairs and saw two men in the darkness. One was crawling on his knees. Upon confronting the intruders, one of the men shot at Mr. Downey, but the bullet sailed over his head and into a wall. The thieves ran out of the house with some of the family silver. They were never caught. 

     With bills mounting, the Downeys welcomed boarders into their home. They were fortunate in that Butler University officials moved the campus from north of downtown Indianapolis and into Irvington. Some of those first tenants included students, but their most prominent renters were the Merrill sisters. Much has been been written about Catharine Merrill over the years. A beloved teacher, she made history, as one of the earliest female university professors in the United States. A brilliant woman, she lived in Europe from 1859 until 1861 where she studied German. In Ireland she witnessed beggars from the potato famine. In England, she visited a great exhibition featuring artwork by Joseph Turner. In Italy, she wrote about the efforts of people to unite that country just as her own country fell apart and into the Civil War. While living in the Downey home, Miss Merrill had access to the "western parlor" where she held salons every Thursday evening. Students, professors, and neighbors attended these events where there might be poetry readings, book discussions, or even games. Young Joseph Downey recalled sitting on the lap of Butler professor, David Starr Jordan, who drew various kinds of fish on a piece of paper for him. Miss Merrill's kindness towards the Downey children was never forgotten. After Miss Merrill retired from Butler University, she moved out of the Downey home. One year later, the Downeys also moved away. 

The 1889 map of Irvington shows the Downey Home on Lot 21 and facing Spratt Avenue (University Avenue)

Rocky Mountain News, September 1, 1914

Mina Merrill and Catharine Merrill (courtesy of the Indiana State Library Digital Collection)

The Rental Years (1884-1890)

     Columnist, Grace Julian Clarke, noted in one of her essays on Irvington that after the Downeys moved out of Irvington that a rental company took over the ownership of the home. As of this writing, we only know of one family who leased that house during these years, and we only learned about that fact very recently. 

     Hezekiah and Cornelia Goe leased 5433 University Avenue in 1888. Why do we know this fact? In the possession of the descendants of the Goes is another photograph of the Downey home. On the back of that photo, someone has written "birthplace of Percy Goe," one of the five children of Hezekiah and Cornelia. Mr. Goe earned a comfortable living as a grocer and opened up a business at 130 South Audubon Road. The couple soon built a beautiful residence of their own at 128 South Ritter Avenue. More will soon be written about that lovely home.  

  

Faded photograph of the Downey-Thompson-Goe-Hibben home c1915; The image was snapped during the Hibben-era by a member of the Goe family. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Percy Goe (1888-1921) was the fourth child of Hezekiah and Cornelia Goe. He was born at 5433 University Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

The Thompson Years (1890-1902)

     Edward and Mary Thompson along with their daughter, Bona, arrived in Irvington full of hope. All hailed from Edinburg, Indiana where Mr. Thompson became wealthy as a banker and from farming. They purchased the Downey home so that their only surviving child could attend nearby Butler University. By all accounts, she was a gifted student who won prizes for her speeches. While living in the house, the Thompsons added a new dining room, a kitchen with built-in cabinets, and a fruit-storage closet for canned foods. They enlarged the house by a story and a half complete with dormers in the roofline. The servants likely slept up there. They also lengthened the front tower. They added gas, electricity, and a shower. Their daughter would have a pleasant place in which to study and live.

      In 1897, Bona graduated from Butler University and then matriculated to Wellesley College. Mrs. Thompson had not been feeling well for some time. She thought a trip to Europe might lift her spirits and perhaps her health so she and Bona sailed across the ocean in 1899; however, the trip did not go as planned. While in Paris, it was Bona who started to feel unwell and not Mrs. Thompson. She seemed to rally and then they traveled to England, but once again Bona seemed to be suffering from something. The pair arrived back to the US to discover that Bona had contracted typhoid fever on their journey. She was not able to go back to Wellesley and could scarcely make it out of her bedroom in the large house on University Avenue. 

     Bona Thompson lingered for weeks before dying on October 12, 1899, at the age of 21. Their neighbor and friend, Dr. Allen R. Benton at 312 South Downey conducted the funeral service. Devastated by the loss of their only child, Edward and Mary donated land and thousands of dollars to Butler University for a new library. Mrs. Thompson grew sicker and watched from across the street as workers began building the new Bona Thompson Memorial Library, but she never lived to see it completed. Some folks in the neighborhood noted that she had died from heartbreak, but many others said that she wanted to live to see the completion of the library. She and her husband had even gone to Hot Springs, Arkansas in hopes of a respite in her health, but nothing worked and she died in the spring of 1902.  Dr. Allen R. Benton conducted the funeral service on April 16.  Six months later, Edward Thompson had a series of strokes and died on December 18, 1902. Dr. Benton once again led his third funeral at 5433 University Avenue. 

T.C. Steele painted a portrait of Bona Thompson from a photograph after her death. The original painting hangs at Butler University while a copy hangs at the Bona Thompson Memorial Library, currently the home of the Irvington Historical Society. 

Neither Edward nor Mary Thompson lived long enough to see the completion of the library named in their daughter's honor, but both knew that construction had started. The library is located at 5350 University Avenue and served Butler University students from 1903 until 1928. 

The Hibben Years (1903-1929)

     Thomas and Jane Hibben moved into the Downey home and immediately made significant changes to the residence. They not only enlarged the place,  but they also re-landscaped the property with stunning flower gardens. Mr. Hibben, whose family came from Rushville, Indiana, had made a fortune in the dry goods wholesale business. His father was a founder of the firm Hibben and Hollweg. Thomas joined the firm in 1900. It appears that one of his passions was art and he was considered one of the best etchers in the Midwest. With their comfortable income, the Hibbens purchased numerous paintings and etchings and filled their home with art. 

     Mrs. Hibben might have already known about the grand house as her Aunt Catharine Merrill had leased rooms from the Downeys in the late nineteenth century. Perhaps she visited the residence as a girl and might have witnessed a few of those Thursday-evening salons. The Hibbens were likely very proud of their children who all went on to achieve some impressive feats. By age 28, Paxton Hibben, served as a legate for the American delegation in the Netherlands. Their daughter, Helene, a future teacher, received commissions as a young woman as sculptress. Some of her bas reliefs of prominent Hoosiers are still around today.  Their son Thomas, Jr. became an architect and James became a chemist. Hazen served as teacher with her sister, Helene. 

     Thomas Hibben's sudden death in 1915 at the age of 54 shocked his family. His obituary ran on the front pages of the local newspapers. Mrs. Hibben died in 1920. Their daughters Helene and Hazen continued to live on in the house until 1929. The sisters operated an early pre-school for wealthier Irvington families where kids learned to speak some rudimentary French. In 1929, the women sold their home to Jessie Landon, one of the wealthiest women in Indianapolis. She and her husband Hugh lived at the former Eli Lilly mansion called Oldfields at the time. 

       Then, Mrs. Landon did something unthinkable for many Irvington residents. She bulldozed the Downey home in the summer of 1929. Why did she do it? Was she plotting a new development? Neighbors must have been very concerned since Butler University had just pulled out leaving many of the nearby buildings vacant. In the end, she did nothing with the property. She fell ill and died the following year. 

     A little over a decade later, contractors erected smaller homes on the once grand acreage. With World War II coming to a close, dozens of new families flocked to the site. 

(Indianapolis News, July 6, 1915, p. 1)

Thomas E. Hibben, Sr. was also a talented etcher. His work, Spanish Doorway, may be seen at the Irvington Historical Society. 

Helene sculpted a bas relief of James Whitcomb Riley. She also sculpted numerous other prominent Hoosiers of the early twentieth century. (Irvington Historical Society)

Indianapolis Star, August 18, 1928, p. 18

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the photograph and new information about the Goes in the Downey Home. I also wish to thank Steve Barnett for his expertise and knowledge about the Downey Home. 

Sources;

Downey Era--Joseph R. Downey, Boyhood Days in Irvington, Irvington Historical Society, 1991 (first published by the East Side Herald in 1950); Bankruptcy--"In Bankruptcy," Indianapolis News, November 27, 1878, p. 4; Burglary--"Burglary," Indianapolis News, May 20, 1878, p. 1; Mr. Downey Obituary--Rocky Mountain News, September 1, 1914.

Catharine Merrill--Katharine Merrill Graydon, Catharine Merrill, Life and Letters, (Mitchell Publishing, 1934). 

Rental Years--Information on the back of a photograph provided by the Kingsbury family 

Thompson Era--US Census Records, 1900; "Miss Bona Thompson," Indianapolis News, October 13, 1899; Obituary for Mary Thompson--Franklin Democrat, April 18, 1902, p. 1; "Funeral of Edward C. Thompson," Indianapolis Journal, December 23, 1902, p. 3; 

Hibben Era--US Census Records, 1910 and 1920; History of Hibben School--"Hibben School Founded to Care for Children During Days of War," Indianapolis Star, August 23, 1931, p. 8; "Thomas E. Hibbens Dies at N.Y. Athletic Club," Indianapolis News, September 6, 1915, p. 1; "Mrs. Janie K. Hibben Dies," Indianapolis Star, October 17, 1920, p. 1.

General Overview--Grace Julian Clarke, "Some of 'Original' Irvington's History Recalled by House Razing," Indianapolis Star, May 26, 1929, p. 72; "Another Landmark Gone," Butler Alumni Quarterly, July 1929, pp. 79-80; Edward J. Hecker, Sr., "Old Irvington Residence Recalled," Irvington Review, December 12, 1940; Sheri Patterson, "Memories of Irvington Downey Home Recalled," Indy East, July 31, 1985, p. 1

A Walk Down East Washington Street in 1989

         36 years ago, Robert Phelps, who lived at 5317 Lowell Avenue, walked down East Washington Street on a sunny day in 1989 and snapped many images of the business corridor. He managed Chaille's Shoes at 5622 East Washington, and you can see that sign in one of his shots. At least three of the buildings seen in the images below are no longer standing. Let's take a walk with Mr. Phelps, shall we?

Our first stop will be at the Red Shield (Salvation Army) Thrift Store at 5639 East Washington Street. You might find a great deal in here or next door at Old John's Home Center. Watch out for that speeding traffic! (Current Site of the Irvington Public Library)

Let's see if we can find some parking behind the building. Do you see the Salvation Army Drop-off box? Older Irvingtonians will remember this building as the former site of the Standard Grocery Store. It seems crowded today. 

Let's drop by PIP Printing at 5649 East Washington Street so I can get a few items copied. (Current site of Irvington Public Library) 

Do you mind if I peek behind these stores? Oh, I don't think I am supposed to be back here. There are two fences and one of them has barbed wire. Let's get out of here. (Current site of Irvington Public Library)

Let's cut through the Irvington Presbyterian Church parking lot on South Audubon Road. I see the Saxony Apartments across the street. 

Over here! Be careful as you cross! I see the Audubon Court Apartments. Watch out for that trash can. I don't think it is long for this world. 

Let's grab a Pepsi from the machine and stop into some of the shops. I see that A La Cheri Beauty Salon is offering a deal on perms. I think I will pass on that but let's visit Mr. Phelps at Chaille's Shoes. Next door, we could learn a few dance steps at McCleish School of Dance. 

    Alright, our tour is over for now. You can turn off your Milli Vanilli cassette tape and head back to the future. Onward!! 

Provenance of photos: Robert Phelps snapped the images. His neighbor, Kent Hankins, the former President of the Irvington Historical Society, obtained the photos and donated them to the Society. We are so grateful! 

Family Moved Into an East Washington Street Cottage in the 1920s

      In the summer of 1905, John Woodward purchased a lot in Irvington and erected a pretty cottage at 5858 East Washington Street. William W. Fellows was the first resident of the house. He operated a feed store at 201 South Audubon Road. A variety of other people leased the home throughout the 1910s. At some point during that decade James L. Kingsbury purchased the house. While the details are not yet known, we know that he sold the house to his youngest brother Theodore Kingsbury in 1919. 

     Theodore and Cornelia Kingsbury and their daughter, Cornelia, had been living in Washington D.C. due to Mr. Kingsbury's job with the Department of Agriculture. They had only been there about two years when they decided to return to Irvington. Part of that decision might have been the fact that Mrs. Kingsbury's father, Hezekiah Goe, died that year. Perhaps she wanted to be nearer to her mother and siblings. In fact, the family did not move into their Washington Street home right away, likely to give the tenants a chance to find another residence. A census enumerator visited the Goe family home at 128 South Ritter on January 8, 1920, and noted that 33-year-old Theodore Kingsbury and 28-year-old Cornelia Goe Kingsbury along with four-year-old daughter, Cornelia Kingsbury, lived with 71-year-old Cornelia Farnsworth Goe, the matriarch of the Goe family. Also living in that large home included Cornelia Kingsbury's sisters, 47-year-old Clara Goe, a teacher, and 38-year-old Grace Goe, a stenographer. 

     By the end of 1920, Theodore and Cornelia Kingbsury moved into their home on East Washington Street. The following year, the state of Indiana hired Mr. Kingsbury as a gas inspector and supervisor. He traveled the state of Indiana ensuring that gas and oil wells were properly plugged. Later, he became the State Geologist. Their return from Washington D.C. seemed to be working out and then tragedy struck. 

     1923 started out as a normal and joyful year for the young Kingsbury family. Mr. Kingsbury kept busy with his job and on the golf course. Mrs. Kingsbury remained active with the Irvington Coterie Club where she presented papers and helped to host. Joy entered the house when the couple welcomed their second child, Richard Kingsbury, on May 4, 1923. Neighbors might have noticed that Dr. John K. Kingsbury, a cousin to Theodore, had been visiting the house cottage often as Mrs. Kingsbury had been afflicted by tuberculosis for most of her life. She seemed to really struggle after the birth of her son and died five months later on October 23, 1923 at the age of 33. 

     Theodore Kingsbury was now faced with the task of raising two small children on his own. He briefly married, but that union ended in divorce. The 1930 Federal Census indicated that young Cornelia and Richard moved back in with the Goe family at 128 South Ritter Avenue for several years while Theodore traveled the state and the Midwest as a geologist.

     The Kingsbury era of the home ended in 1931 with the arrival of the Ihrig family. 

Little Richard Kingsbury rode his tricycle in front of his house at 5858 East Washington Street c1925. Behind him you can see the neighboring houses at 5864 and 5868 East Washington Street. A man can be seen with a ladder at the home of Mrs. Hattie Mills, a widow, who lived at 5864 East Washington Street. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Richard "Dick" Kingsbury posed in front of his house at 5858 East Washington Street c1928 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Richard Kingsbury (front) posed with sister, Cornelia Kingsbury and three unidentified boys at 5858 East Washington Street c1928 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

5858 East Washington Street in 2025 (photo courtesy of Molly Zentz)

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer. They have been so generous with their time and stories about the Kingsbury family. I also wish to thank Steve Barnett and Molly Zentz for their help with this post. 

Sources: Construction of House: "Realty Transfers," Indianapolis Star, June 3, 1905, p. 9; "Building Permits," Indianapolis Star, August 8, 1905, p. 12; "Realty Transfers," Indianapolis Star, September 12, 1905, p. 12; Jones Family--Polk's Indianapolis City Directory, 1907-1910; Theodore Kingsbury purchase of home--"Realty Transfers," Indianapolis News, October 20, 1919, p. 5; Life in the house--"Ex-Editor Named State Gas Supervisor," Indiana Daily Times, August 5, 1921, p. 1; "Club Calendar," January 21, 1923, p. 41; Death of Cornelia Kingsbury--"Mrs. Kingsbury Dead," Indianapolis News, October 24, 1923, p. 3. Mrs. Kingsbury's death record was signed by Dr. John K. Kingsbury. He also noted that she had been living with tuberculosis for 28 years. 

Editor's Note: 5858 East Washington Street was known as 5832 East Washington Street from 1905 until 1910. 

A Young Couple Moved into a New House on Lowell Avenue in 1912

      On Wednesday evening, May 15, 1912, dozens of guests arrived at the Goe family home on South Ritter Avenue to witness the marriage of Theodore Kingsbury to Cornelia Goe. Their union brought together two very prominent Irvington families. Theodore was the seventh son of James G. Kingsbury, the publisher of the Indiana Farmer. Theodore hardly knew his biological mother as she died when he was two years old. His stepmother, Kate Gunckel Kingsbury, helped to raise him in homes on Lowell and Layman Avenues along with his stepsister, Edna Gunckel. At the time of his marriage, he worked for his father at the Indiana Farmer.

     Cornelia Goe was the daughter of Hezekiah and Cornelia Farnsworth Goe of 128 South Ritter Avenue. She had two brothers and two sisters. She graduated from Emmerich Manual High School and later attended Butler University. Her father earned a comfortable income running a popular grocery store in Moore's Hall at 130 South Audubon Road. Since her family attended the Irvington Methodist Church, the Reverend John Bickel officiated the wedding that night. We do not know if the couple went on a honeymoon, but we do know that on June 12, 1912, James G. Kingsbury hosted a dinner for the couple at his home at 71 North Ritter Avenue.

     Three days later, the newlyweds moved into a new house at 5515 Lowell Avenue. Theodore would have known the location of the house quite well as it was built in the backyard of a previous home belonging to his father at 98 Layman Avenue. William Babbitt took out a building permit in the spring of 1912 and erected the Dutch Colonial Revival residence for $1600. Babbitt used concrete blocks to clad the first floor and wood shake for the second floor. The elderly Kingsburys lived just around the corner at 71 North Ritter Avenue--also in a concrete-block home. 

     The Kingsburys lived here for five years before moving to Washington D.C. Cornelia appears to have adopted the Irvington Presbyterian Church and attended services with her husband's family. Various Presbyterian groups met at their home including the group seen below in the photographs. She was also very involved in a women's group called the Irvington Coterie Club. They met on Thursdays and newspaper accounts reveal that she hosted the ladies numerous times in this house. The club focused on historical topics as well as current events. Theodore spent much of his time during the warmer months on various golf courses. He was quite good at the sport and frequently made the sport pages for his low scores. 

     Within one year of moving into the residence, Theodore Kingsbury suffered the loss of his father in the spring 1913. The burden for operating the Indiana Farmer fell upon both he and his brother, James L. Kingsbury. Joy found a way into the home in 1915, with the birth of the couple's first child, Cornelia. If you are keeping track, that is the third Cornelia mentioned in this article. 

      In 1917, the Kingsburys relocated to the nation's capital where he found employment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They didn't stay there long, however, and by 1919, the couple found their way back to Irvington. 

Cornelia Goe Kingsbury sat on the steps of her new house at 5515 Lowell Avenue c1912 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Theodore Kingsbury sat on his porch at 5515 Lowell Avenue c1912. Behind him you can see the residences at 5506 and 5510 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Cornelia Goe Kingsbury sat on the front porch at 5515 Lowell Avenue. If you look closely, you can see a horse in the alley next to the residence. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

A group from the Irvington Presbyterian Church met in the home of Theodore and Cornelia Kingsbury in either 1912 or early 1913. James G. Kingsbury was a founder of the church and considered an elder at this point in his life. Pictured: Front row left to right--James L. Kingsbury, Charlie Davis, Theodore Kingsbury, Cornelia Kingsbury (above Theodore), Reverend John S. Martin, Merrill Woods; Second Row--Grace Goe, Anna Kingsbury, James G. Kingsbury, Edna Boyle, Mary Martin, ?, Maude Martin Davis, ?, ?, Clara Goe; Top row--listed in order on photo although some names have been left off by the original documenter: Mrs. Martin, Gertrude Meisenhelder, Bonnie Major, ?, Mr. and Mrs. Layman?, Edith Schowe, Hermine Reller, and ? (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for their stories and photographs. I also wish to thank Alyssa Stewart and Steve Barnett for their help with research on this house. 

Sources:  Kingsbury-Goe wedding: "Kingsbury-Goe Wedding," Indianapolis News, May 16, 1912, p. 7; "Irvington," Indianapolis Star, June 16, 1912, p. 26; House construction: "Building Permits," Indianapolis News, May 21, 1912, p. 15; Irvington Coterie Club: "Affairs of Clubs," Indianapolis Star, May 20, 1014, p. 13; "Clubs," Indianapolis Star, December 12, 1915, p. 37; Irvington Presbyterian Church involvement: "News of Churches," Indianapolis Star, August 29, 1914, p. 3.

Phi Delta Theta--First Fraternity House Built in Irvington

      Theodore Kingsbury, the youngest son of James G. Kingsbury, graduated from the Winona Agricultural Institute in 1907. One year later, he enrolled at Butler University in Irvington where he played football. He also seems to have been involved with Phi Delta Theta Fraternity along with his nephew, Layman Kingsbury. His association with the fraternity came at an important time for the organization as the men had just built their first chapter house near the campus on the northwestern corner of Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street. 

     Architect, Frank B. Hunter, designed the two-story residence as a bungalow in the spring of 1908. On the first floor he placed the chapter hall and study room. He located the dining room and kitchen in the basement, and he situated the sleeping rooms on the third floor. Lt. Governor Hugh T. Miller, a legacy of the fraternity, helped to dedicate the new house on November 19, 1908. The structure cost $3500 and was the first fraternity house ever built in the neighborhood. Other fraternities generally rented existing homes. 

     With the arrival of the new Pleasant Run Parkway, the fraternity relocated west of the stream at 5020 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive in 1915. The site of the former home became a small park dedicated to the memory of Hilton U. Brown, Jr., who died in World War One. To see many more photos of the Phi Delta Theta home, including interior shots, click on the "Phi Delta Theta" link below. 

The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House, c1908 used to be located on the northwestern corner of Emerson Avenue and East Washington Street.  It was moved in 1915 to its current location on the northwestern corner of Pleasant Run Parkway and East Washington Street. The home barely visible in the background belonged to cartoonist, Kin Hubbard, who lived at 5070 East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Frank B. Hunter designed the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House in 1908. (Indianapolis Star, May 2, 1908, p. 4)

Up Next: A Young Couple Moved to Lowell Avenue in 1912     

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the use of the Kingsbury family photo collection. 

Sources:  Construction and design of house: "Building Permit," Indianapolis News, April 17, 1908, p. 20; "Butler Phi Delta Theta House Now Under Construction," Indianapolis News, May 2, 1908, p. 4; "Phi Delta Theta House," Indianapolis News, November 20, 1908, p. 7; Moving of house: "Building Permits," Indianapolis Star, August 24, 1915, p. 12. 

A Concrete-Block House in Irvington

      Friends and family were likely surprised to learn that 76-year-old James G. Kingsbury and 68-year-old Kate Kingsbury decided to move from their Layman Avenue home into a new residence at 71 North Ritter Avenue in 1907. They were not just moving into any home, but one that had been clad in concrete blocks. Local businesses mass produced concrete blocks for construction lowering the costs for such a residence. Another nearby home at 65 North Ritter Avenue also had a first story built of concrete block. Mr. Kingsbury's scrapbook noted that his home was the first concrete block house in the neighborhood. While he took out a building permit for the residence in 1905, the family did not move in right away. 

     James G. Kingsbury still served as the publisher of the Indiana Farmer although his sons, James L. and Theodore, took on more responsibility for the publication.  Only his young son, Theodore, still lived at home. On November 17, 1907, all seven of Mr. Kingsbury's sons gathered at the new house to celebrate Theodore's 21st birthday. Sadness, however, soon gripped the family as Kate Kingsbury, the third wife of James G. Kingsbury, faced a dire cancer diagnosis. She penned a column in the Indiana Farmer called "Aunt Kate" where she discussed domestic issues. In her final column, she wrote:

          For over a year I have been an invalid, and during that time there has not been a day that I have not had reason to thank God for neighbors. Fruits, flowers, and dainties, have been almost daily offerings. And how good things taste that come to you unexpectedly...And flowers! From the time of the early spring crocuses awaken from their wintry slumbers, until the frosts cut short the chrysanthemum blooms, I have not been a day without flowers...

     Mrs. Kingsbury died on April 1, 1908, leaving James G. Kingsbury a widower for a third time. Mr. Kingsbury continued to go to his office at the Indiana Farmer. On January 18, 1910, his family held a surprise birthday party for him after he returned from work. An Indianapolis News article noted that the entire house at 71 North Ritter Avenue was illuminated to celebrate his 78th birthday. A few weeks later, he surprised his friends and family by announcing that he had taken out a marriage license to wed a 62-year-old widow named Anna Risk. On February 10, 1910, the couple gathered at the Somerset Apartments to be married by the Reverend Frank O. Ballard of the Memorial Presbyterian Church. Only a few witnessed the moment, and then the couple honeymooned in Washington D.C. and New York City before returning to their Ritter Avenue home. 

     At some point before 3:30 AM on the morning of May 5, 1910, Mr. Kingsbury went to the window of his second-story bedroom on Ritter Avenue and looked to the east. There in the quiet of the night, he witnessed Halley's Comet racing over Irvington. Ever the journalist, he recorded the moment and the Indianapolis News reported that he was the first in the city to see the comet. 

     Mr. Kingsbury's death on June 11, 1913, was widely reported around the state of Indiana. His efforts to write about Hoosier agriculture had been impactful. He left behind his fourth wife, seven sons, one step daughter, and numerous grandchildren. Some of those descendants have been very generous with their time, stories, and photographs. I am very grateful to them. 

Up Next:  A Butler Fraternity House on Pleasant Run Parkway

      

"The First Concrete Block House in Irvington," as reported from the scrapbook belonging to the Kingsbury family, c1907. The photo is also important because it shows the side of 75 North Ritter Avenue, a house destroyed by fire in 1920. A double later replaced that home.  (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

This c1913 photo in front of 71 North Ritter Avenue is remarkable as it shows a very young John K. Kingsbury (seated and holding a hat). He later became a beloved local doctor and a witness in the infamous trial involving D.C. Stephenson, the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, and murderer of Madge Oberholtzer. His testimony helped to convict the man. Seated (left to right) James G. Kingsbury, John K. Kingsbury, Anna Risk Kingsbury, Kate Kingsbury holding Frank Kingsbury, and Charles Kingsbury; Standing (left to right): Florine Kingsbury, Hannah Kingsbury, Pearl Kingsbury, Edna Gunckel, Cornelia Goe Kingsbury, Nathan Howard Kingsbury, Theodore Kingsbury, Franklin Kingsbury (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Nathan Howard ("Punk") Kingsbury, James G. Kingsbury, and Theodore Kingsbury after a big snowstorm at 71 North Ritter Avenue c1910. You can also see the south side of the Clancy home at 75 North Ritter Avenue. That home burned in 1920. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Charles Kingsbury, Kate Kingsbury, Hannah Kingsbury, and Nathan Howard Kingsbury c1910 on the steps of 71 North Ritter Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Theodore Kingsbury, Sylvia Ewan (Lil), and the Marsh sisters standing at the rear of 71 North Ritter Avenue c1910 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Edna Gunckel was the daughter of Kate Gunckel Kingsbury, the third wife of James G. Kingsbury. Letters in the Kingsbury family collection reveal that she remained close to the family for years. This photo was likely snapped c1910 in front of 71 North Ritter Avenue. After Mr. Kingsbury died in 1913, he left his stepdaughter some of his money. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Always the farmer, Mr. Kingsbury worked in the backyard of his home at 71 North Ritter Avenue c1910. Behind him you can see the rear of 76 and 98 North Layman Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Theodore Kingsbury and Sylvia Ewan c1910 behind 71 North Ritter Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

71 North Ritter Avenue after a snowstorm c1910 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

71 North Ritter Avenue on July 16, 2025

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for their wonderful help with this article. I also wish to thank Marion County historian, Steve Barnett, who helped me pin down a date on the house. 

Sources:  The 1910 Federal Census; Polks's Indianapolis City Directories, 1906-1914; Birthday party for Theodore Kingsbury: Indianapolis News, November 18, 1907, p. 7; Obituaries for Kate Kingsbury: "Mrs. Kingsbury Dead," Indianapolis News, April 2, 1908, p. 7; "Death of Mrs. Kingsbury," Indiana Farmer, April 11, 1908, p. 10;  J.G. Kingsbury Surprise Birthday Party: "Birthday-Anniversary," Indianapolis News, January 19, 1910, p. 7; J.G. Kingsbury and Halley's Comet: "Arise Early, Look East And You Will See It," Indianapolis News, May 5,1910, p. 1; J.G. Kingsbury to Anna Risk: "Will Marry Fourth Wife," Indianapolis Star, February 10, 1910, p. 1; "Society," Indianapolis News, February 10, 1910, p. 7; Obituary for James G. Kingsbury: "James G. Kingsbury, of Indiana Farmer, Dead," Indianapolis News, June 12, 1913, p. 7. James G. Kingsbury's Will:  "Kingsbury Will Probated," Indianapolis Star, July 8, 1913, p. 3. 

Layman and Lowell Avenues in the Early 20th Century

     Between 1903 and 1907, James G. and Kate Kingsbury resided in the two-story home located at 98 North Layman Avenue. Almost as soon as he moved in, Mr. Kingsbury took out a building permit for an addition on to the home in the autumn of 1903. He also applied for a building permit in the following year to repair a barn on the property. 

     The Kingsburys were not the first to reside in the house. The Hannas lived at 98 North Layman in the late 1890s and the Williams family resided in the house in the early 1900s. Thomas Hanna (1841-1901) had been the Lt. Governor for the state of Indiana from 1881-1885. 

     For reasons unknown, 74-year-old James G. Kingsbury and 67-year-old Kate Kingsbury moved to a new house located nearby at 71 North Ritter Avenue. Photos from the Kingsbury family show the homes that existed at the intersection of Lowell and Layman Avenues between 1903 and 1915. 

James G. Kingsbury posed with his son, Theodore Kingsbury, at 98 North Layman Avenue c1903 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

James G. Kingsbury posed in front of his home at 98 N. Layman Avenue c1903. Behind him, you will note that no houses had yet been built on the south side of the 5600 block of Lowell Avenue. If you look closely, you can see the side of 5716 Lowell Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Friends and family of the Kingsburys gathered in the dining room of their home at 98 North Layman Avenue c1903. Seated (left to right): Kate Gunckel Kingsbury, James G. Kingsbury, Hannah Rodney Kingsbury (holding a cat); Standing (left to right): Edna Gunckel, Nathan Howard ("Punk") Kingsbury, Annie Rodney (sister to Hannah), and  Theodore Kingsbury (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

308 North Layman Avenue

     Frederick M. and Alice Dickerman resided in the newly-constructed home at 308 North Layman Avenue in 1906. If they had looked out their dining room window, they would have seen James G. Kingsbury mowing his yard at 98 North Layman. Mr. Dickerman worked as a postal clerk for a railroad. The Dickermans lived in a variety of Irvington homes before moving to Los Angeles, California. 

James G. Kingsbury mowed his yard at 98 North Layman Avenue. Behind him you can see 308 North Layman Avenue c1906. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

5602 Lowell Avenue

     Cornelia Kingsbury, the daughter of Theodore and Cornelia Goe Kingsbury, was the subject of this photograph in the winter of 1915. The Kingsburys resided at 5515 Lowell Avenue at the time. Behind the baby, you can see several houses in the 5600 block of Lowell Avenue. The most visible home is 5602 Lowell Avenue (on the left). Wellington and Anne Downing had resided in that home since 1905. Mr. Downing was a contractor and built many homes in that section of Irvington. 

Cornelia Kingsbury in front of her home at 5515 Lowell Avenue in 1915. Behind her, you can see the intersection of Lowell and Layman Avenues. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Up Next:  The First Concrete Block House in Irvington? 

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for their stories and photos of Irvington. I also wish to thank Katherine Meadows who assisted me with research on 98 North Layman Avenue. 

Sources: Interview with Kathy and Dick Meyer, June 9, 2025; 1910 Federal Census; Polk's Indianapolis City Directory, 1903-1915; Frame addition to 98 North Layman Avenue: "Building Permits," Indianapolis Journal, November 14, 1903, p. 8; Repairs to Barn: "Building Permits," Indianapolis Journal, April 9, 1904, p. 10.

Lost Irvington: The Kingsbury Home on Lowell Avenue

      The home belonging to James and Mary Kingsbury has been missing since 1917. In fact, it has been gone longer than it ever stood on what is today the northeast corner of Lowell and Bolton Avenues. James G. Kingsbury, the editor and publisher of the Indiana Farmer, a publication for Hoosiers involved in the agricultural and horticultural business, moved his large family into 5860 Lowell Avenue in 1886 or 1887. We do not know if they were the first owners of the grand Italianate home, but they lived in the residence until 1903. The family also owned a 28-acre farm behind the house on what is today North Bolton and Campbell Avenues. 

     Long before he moved to Irvington, James G. Kingsbury had likely known about the community as he was very involved in the Prohibition Party along with one of the founders of Irvington, Sylvester Johnson. Many of his children also attended Butler University. One of his sons, James L. Kingsbury moved to the area one year before his father and settled along Layman Avenue. Irvington's "dry" laws likely appealed to Mr. Kingsbury as well. 

     In total, James G. Kingsbury had four wives. His first wife, Mary Layman Kingsbury died before he moved to Irvington. Not long after relocating, Mary Taylor Kingsbury, his second wife, died at the young age of 43 on August 5, 1888. A year later, James G. Kingsbury married Kate Gunckel of Cincinnati on September 4, 1889. She lived long enough to move with him from his lovely home on Lowell Avenue to another residence on Layman Avenue. Only his fourth and final wife, Anna Graham Risk Kingsbury, outlived him. 

      When a census taker arrived at 5860 Lowell Avenue in 1900, he found a very full house. Besides 68-year-old James G. Kingsbury and 61-year-old Kate Gunckel Kingsbury, the enumerator also noted 25-year-old Charles Kingsbury, a son, who worked with the telephone company; 21-year-old Howard Kingsbury, who worked as a railroad clerk; 20-year-old John Fletcher Kingsbury, who served as a mechanic; and 13-year-old Theodore Kingsbury, who was still in school. Mr. Kingsbury also welcomed his former mother-in-law, 84-year-old Jane B. Taylor and his 22-year-old step daughter, Edna Gunckel into the home. Miss Gunckel worked as a proofreader. A 20-year-old servant named Lena Funke and her 2-year-old son, Edgar Funke also boarded in the house. 

     In an interview with a reporter for the Indianapolis News in 1903, Mr. Kingsbury noted that he had created a model farm and had hoped that one of his seven sons would take over the business; however, none of them were interested so he sold the house and the land to Willis Wright of Terre Haute, Indiana. The Kingsburys held one final reunion in the residence on July 3, 1903. After their departure, many people moved in and out of the house until W.H. Cooper applied for a permit to demolish the structures in 1917. Fascinatingly, Josephine Hyde Woodbury, pioneering female developer, purchased the farm and created a new subdivision called "Edgehill." A beautiful brick American Foursquare home was built for the Lewis family on the site of the former Kingsbury home in 1920. 

The Kingsbury home at 5860 Lowell Avenue c1895 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Kingsbury home at 5860 Lowell Avenue c1895 (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

5860 Lowell Avenue c1900 (courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

The Kingsbury home at 5860 Lowell Avenue can be seen on this 1889 map of Irvington. The residence and barn are located just next to "89" on this map. You will note that Bolton Avenue north of Lowell Avenue did not exist yet. Pleasant street, denoted in a dotted line, was never built. . (Irvington Historical Society)

James G. Kingsbury created a model farm behind his house at 5860 Lowell Avenue. He can be seen here c1895. The farm stretched up to Pleasant Run stream and over to Arlington Avenue. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

"Kendall," a farm hand, (far left) stood near Nathan Howard (Punk) Kingsbury, Theodore Kingsbury, and John Fletcher (Butch) Kingsbury. Charles Kingsbury stood next to Billy the horse c1892. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury Family)

James G. Kingsbury, the Secretary of the Indiana Farmer, kept an office for the publication on the grounds of the Indiana State Fair. (photo courtesy of the Kingsbury family)

Site of former Kingsbury home on June 23, 2025

 Up Next:  The Intersection of Lowell and Layman Avenues in the Early 20th Century

     I wish to thank Kathy and Dick Meyer for the stories and use of the photographs from the Kingsbury family. Kathy is a descendant of James G. and Mary Taylor Kingsbury. 

Sources:  Polk's Indianapolis City Directories, 1886-1918; US Federal Census Records, 1880, 1900, 1910; Interview with Kathy and Dick Meyer, June 9, 2025; Kingsbury family in the 1880s: "Personal Mention," Indianapolis Journal, May 27, 1884, p. 3; "Death of Mrs. Kingsbury," Indianapolis Journal, August 7, 1888; "Personal and Society," Indianapolis Journal, September 5, 1889, p. 7;  Prohibition Work: "Articles of Association," Indianapolis Journal, January 17, 1885, p. 7; "The City in Brief," Indianapolis Journal, November 10, 1885, p. 8; "Prohibitionist Satisfied," Indianapolis Journal, December 21, 1889, p. 1; Agricultural work:  Indiana Farmer and agricultural work: "The Agricultural Board," Indianapolis Journal, January 8, 1885, ; "In Brief," Indianapolis Journal, June 10, 1887, p. 8; Buying and selling house:  "Personal," Indianapolis News, June 11, 1887, p. 2; "Movement in Real Estate," Indianapolis Journal, May 27, 1888, p. 5; "Real Estate Transfers," Indianapolis Journal, October 31, 1889, p. 7; "Model Fruit Farm Sold," Indianapolis News, July 4, 1903, p. 24; "Twenty-Seven Transfers Made Matter of Record Yesterday," Indianapolis Journal, August 4, 1903, p. 8; Demolition--"Building Permits," Indianapolis Star, November 7, 1917; Edgehill--"Edghill in Irvington," Indianapolis News, June 21, 1919, p. 3.